{"id":119880,"date":"2026-04-09T13:21:41","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T11:21:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/?p=119880"},"modified":"2026-04-09T13:21:41","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T11:21:41","slug":"the-biggest-misconceptions-about-medical-screening-in-the-workplace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/news\/the-biggest-misconceptions-about-medical-screening-in-the-workplace\/","title":{"rendered":"The biggest misconceptions about medical screening in the workplace"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><div data-parent=\"true\" class=\"vc_row row-container\" id=\"row-unique-0\"><div class=\"row double-top-padding one-bottom-padding single-h-padding limit-width row-parent\"><div class=\"wpb_row row-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_column pos-top pos-center align_left column_parent col-lg-12 single-internal-gutter\"><div class=\"uncol style-light\"  ><div class=\"uncoltable\"><div class=\"uncell no-block-padding\" ><div class=\"uncont\" ><div class=\"vc_custom_heading_wrap\"><div class=\"heading-text el-text\" ><div class=\"fontsize-935186 font-weight-200\" ><span>After all, healthy employees are the capital of any company. Yet there are still many misunderstandings about <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/care-packages\/\">medical screenings<\/a><\/span> in the workplace. It is still seen as a cost or a legal minefield. When in fact that has not been the case for a long time. In this blog, we try to dispel the great myth and explain at <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/\">Medical Centre<\/a><\/span> out why <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/screening\/\">a preventive medical screening<\/a><\/span> is the smartest investment for your business.<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><script id=\"script-row-unique-0\" data-row=\"script-row-unique-0\" type=\"text\/javascript\" class=\"vc_controls\">UNCODE.initRow(document.getElementById(\"row-unique-0\"));<\/script><\/div><\/div><\/div><div data-parent=\"true\" class=\"vc_row row-container\" id=\"row-unique-1\"><div class=\"row limit-width row-parent\"><div class=\"wpb_row row-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_column pos-top pos-center align_left column_parent col-lg-12 half-internal-gutter\"><div class=\"uncol style-light\"  ><div class=\"uncoltable\"><div class=\"uncell no-block-padding\" ><div class=\"uncont\" ><div class=\"empty-space empty-quart\" ><span class=\"empty-space-inner\"><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"uncode-single-media  text-left\"><div class=\"single-wrapper\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\"><div class=\"tmb tmb-light  tmb-media-first tmb-media-last tmb-content-overlay tmb-no-bg\"><div class=\"t-inside\"><div class=\"t-entry-visual\"><div class=\"t-entry-visual-tc\"><div class=\"uncode-single-media-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-119881\" src=\"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Infographic-blog-Medisch-Centrum-de-grootste-misverstanden-over-medische-screening.jpg\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" alt=\"Misunderstandings around medical screenings in the workplace\" srcset=\"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Infographic-blog-Medisch-Centrum-de-grootste-misverstanden-over-medische-screening.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Infographic-blog-Medisch-Centrum-de-grootste-misverstanden-over-medische-screening-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Infographic-blog-Medisch-Centrum-de-grootste-misverstanden-over-medische-screening-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Infographic-blog-Medisch-Centrum-de-grootste-misverstanden-over-medische-screening-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Infographic-blog-Medisch-Centrum-de-grootste-misverstanden-over-medische-screening-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Infographic-blog-Medisch-Centrum-de-grootste-misverstanden-over-medische-screening-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Infographic-blog-Medisch-Centrum-de-grootste-misverstanden-over-medische-screening-350x197.jpg 350w, https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Infographic-blog-Medisch-Centrum-de-grootste-misverstanden-over-medische-screening-uai-720x405.jpg 720w, https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Infographic-blog-Medisch-Centrum-de-grootste-misverstanden-over-medische-screening-uai-1032x581.jpg 1032w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_custom_heading_wrap\"><div class=\"heading-text el-text\" ><h2 class=\"h2\" ><span>Investment vs cost: the ROI of a healthy employee team<\/span><\/h2><\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_custom_heading_wrap\"><div class=\"heading-text el-text\" ><p class=\"font-weight-200\" ><span>One of the most common and persistent misconceptions associated with medical screening is that it is merely a <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/news\/what-absenteeism-really-costs-your-organisation\/\">cost<\/a><\/span> is. Nothing could be further from the truth, of course. In today's labour market, where there is a so-called 'war of talent' and the retirement age is rising, absence prevention is crucial for your business continuity.<\/p><\/span><span><p>&nbsp;<\/p><\/span><span><p>When you invest in <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/screening\/\">a medical screening<\/a><\/span> At Medical Centre, you invest in:<\/p><\/span><span><ul><\/span><span><li><strong>Lower sickness or absenteeism costs:<\/strong> Early detection of health risks such as burnout, cardiovascular disease or diabetes prevents employees from dropping out for months.<\/li><\/span><span><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/news\/how-medical-screenings-contribute-to-a-stronger-employer-brand\/\"><strong>Employer branding:<\/strong><\/a><\/span> Companies that actively engage in staff health are seen as attractive employers by new candidates.<\/li><\/span><span><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/news\/the-impact-of-healthy-employees-on-productivity-and-retention\/\">Productivity<\/a>:<\/strong><\/span> Fit employees have higher concentration and more resilience in the workplace.<\/li><\/span><span><\/ul><\/span><span><p><\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div><\/div><span class=\"btn-container animate_when_almost_visible alpha-anim\" data-delay=\"200\"><a role=\"button\"  href=\"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/contact\/\" class=\"custom-link btn btn-custom-typo font-146656 font-weight-400 text-uppercase no-letterspace border-width-0 button_licht_blauw btn-color-873549 btn-square btn-no-scale btn-icon-left\" title=\"Contact\" id=\"button_hide_wachtpagina\">Making an appointment<\/a><\/span><div class=\"empty-space empty-single\" ><span class=\"empty-space-inner\"><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"vc_custom_heading_wrap\"><div class=\"heading-text el-text\" ><h2 class=\"h2\" ><span>Navigating the law: what are the rules for medical screening in the workplace?<\/span><\/h2><\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_custom_heading_wrap\"><div class=\"heading-text el-text\" ><p>For many HR departments, the legislation surrounding medical screening feels like a maze. It is essential to distinguish between <a href=\"https:\/\/werk.belgie.be\/nl\/themas\/welzijn-op-het-werk\/het-gezondheidstoezicht-op-de-werknemers\">statutory health surveillance<\/a> and the comprehensive, complementary <a href=\"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/news\/preventive-healthcare-healthy-employees-strong-company\/\">preventive medical check-ups<\/a> of the Medical Centre.<\/p>\n<h3>Is a medical examination mandatory during working hours?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. According to <a href=\"https:\/\/werk.belgie.be\/nl\/themas\/welzijn-op-het-werk\/het-gezondheidstoezicht-op-de-werknemers\">Belgian legislation<\/a> mandatory health surveillance must take place during working hours. The time the employee spends on this is considered working time and must also be compensated accordingly. Any travel expenses are also the employer's responsibility.<\/p>\n<h3>Who is subject to these rules?<\/h3>\n<p>Not every employee is subject to mandatory checks. The law requires that only employees with a safety, heightened vigilance or defined risk job, such as chemical agents or physical stress, are subject to <a href=\"https:\/\/werk.belgie.be\/nl\/themas\/welzijn-op-het-werk\/het-gezondheidstoezicht-op-de-werknemers\">periodic health surveillance<\/a>. In addition, the examination is done upon returning to work after an absence of at least four weeks.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_custom_heading_wrap\"><div class=\"heading-text el-text\" ><h2 class=\"h2\" ><span>Pitfalls for the employer regarding medical screening<\/span><\/h2><\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_custom_heading_wrap\"><div class=\"heading-text el-text\" ><p class=\"font-weight-200\" ><span>A 'grave error' in the context of <a href=\"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/screening\/\">medical screenings<\/a> can lead to legal proceedings or heavy fines. Key pitfalls are:<\/p><\/span><span><ul><\/span><span><li><strong>Breach of medical confidentiality<\/strong>: An employer should never request medical diagnoses from their employees. The specialist doctor only communicates whether an employee is fit or unfit for the job. Personal information is shared only with the patient themselves, not their employer.<\/li><\/span><span><li><strong>Privacy breaches (GDPR):<\/strong> Medical data should not be kept in the standard personnel file. But the employer does not get access to it. All personal info is discussed between the doctor and the employee. The employer receives a general health report from all employees, in order to have a picture of the general health of the staff.<\/li><\/span><span><li><strong>Wrongful denial of pay:<\/strong> Not paying for the hours during which the employee undergoes the medical examination is a direct breach of <a href=\"https:\/\/werk.belgie.be\/nl\/themas\/arbeidsreglementering\">labour law<\/a>.<\/li><\/span><span><\/ul><\/span><span><p><\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_custom_heading_wrap\"><div class=\"heading-text el-text\" ><p class=\"font-weight-200\" ><span>At Medical Centre, we work as your expert health partner. We guard the line between what you as an employer need to know and what is covered by medical confidentiality and <a href=\"https:\/\/business.belgium.be\/nl\/uw_bedrijf_beheren\/personeelsbeleid\/arbeidsrecht\">Belgian labour law<\/a> falls.<\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_custom_heading_wrap\"><div class=\"heading-text el-text\" ><h2 class=\"h2\" ><span>The medical examination: efficiency and depth<\/span><\/h2><\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_custom_heading_wrap\"><div class=\"heading-text el-text\" ><p>At Medical Centre, we offer an in-depth look at the health of your team. <a href=\"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/news\/what-does-a-comprehensive-medical-screening-for-your-employee-specifically-entail\/\">A medical screening<\/a> is modular and includes the following core components:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/investigations\/clinical-examination-cardiology\/\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Anamnesis and clinical examination:<\/span><\/strong><\/a> A detailed discussion with the doctor about your employees' medical history, family risk factors and current physical health conditions. This is the start of the medical screening.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Biometric measurements:<\/strong> Analysis of blood pressure, BMI, fat percentage and <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/investigations\/eye-examinations-ophthalmological-examination\/\">vision testing<\/a><\/span>.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/cardiology-consultation\/\"><strong>Cardiovascular screening:<\/strong> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/investigations\/electrocardiogram\/\">An electrocardiogram<\/a><\/span> at rest to detect arrhythmias or other cardiac risks early.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Comprehensive lab tests:<\/strong> <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/investigations\/cardiology-lab-research\/\">Analysis of blood and urine<\/a> <\/span>on parameters such as cholesterol, blood sugar (diabetes risk), liver and kidney functions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lifestyle and mental resilience:<\/strong> Evaluation of stress levels, sleep patterns and exercise. Especially essential in preventing burnout in your employees.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Maximum flexibility at our centre or on your shop floor<\/h3>\n<p>Efficiency is a priority for you as an employer. That is why the Medical Centre offers two options:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>At our centre in Berchem, Antwerp:<\/strong> At our location on the Singel, you enjoy a 'one-stop shop'. Thanks to our own <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/radiology-consultation\/\">radiology<\/a><\/span> and <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/cardiology-consultation\/\">cardiology<\/a><\/span> facilities your employees are ready in one go.<\/li>\n<li><strong>On the shop floor (on-site):<\/strong> We come to you. For larger groups, we can organise medical screenings entirely on the shop floor. This minimises production losses and travel time for your staff.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>\n<\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_custom_heading_wrap\"><div class=\"heading-text el-text\" ><h2 class=\"h2\" ><span>The power of health data for your HR strategy<\/span><\/h2><\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_custom_heading_wrap\"><div class=\"heading-text el-text\" ><p class=\"font-weight-200\" ><span>Although the individual files are private, as a company you receive a group report. This data is golden for your HR department. Do you see a trend in increased stress levels or physical complaints in a certain department? Then you can take targeted action with ergonomic adjustments or well-being programmes, even before absenteeism effectively rises.<\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_custom_heading_wrap\"><div class=\"heading-text el-text\" ><h2 class=\"h2\" ><span>Conclusion: Medical Centre, your partner in medical screenings<\/span><\/h2><\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_custom_heading_wrap\"><div class=\"heading-text el-text\" ><p class=\"font-weight-200\" ><span><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/news\/what-does-a-comprehensive-medical-screening-for-your-employee-specifically-entail\/\">A medical screening<\/a><\/span> is the most powerful insurance for the continuity of your business. Whether you opt for screening at our centre in Antwerp or a mobile team of doctors at your own workplace, you strengthen your team and invest in preventive healthcare.<\/p><\/span><span><p>&nbsp;<\/p><\/span><span><p>Want to take your health policy to the next level? Ask <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/contact-appointment\/\">here<\/a><\/span> request your quote without obligation or <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/contact\/\">contact<\/a><\/span> us for a consultation.<\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"empty-space empty-single\" ><span class=\"empty-space-inner\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><script id=\"script-row-unique-1\" data-row=\"script-row-unique-1\" type=\"text\/javascript\" class=\"vc_controls\">UNCODE.initRow(document.getElementById(\"row-unique-1\"));<\/script><\/div><\/div><\/div><div data-parent=\"true\" class=\"vc_row row-container\" id=\"row-unique-2\"><div class=\"row no-top-padding no-bottom-padding no-h-padding full-width row-parent\"><div class=\"wpb_row row-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_column pos-middle pos-center align_center column_parent col-lg-12 single-internal-gutter\"><div class=\"uncol style-light\"  ><div class=\"uncoltable\"><div class=\"uncell\" ><div class=\"column-background background-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"background-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"background-inner\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/AdobeStock_238730671.jpg);background-repeat: no-repeat;background-position: center center;background-size: cover;\" data-o_src=\"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/AdobeStock_238730671.jpg\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"block-bg-overlay style-color-227611-bg\" style=\"opacity: 0.9;\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><div class=\"uncont single-block-padding col-custom-width\" style=\" max-width:55%;\" ><div class=\"empty-space empty-triple\" ><span class=\"empty-space-inner\"><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"vc_row row-internal row-container\"><div class=\"row row-child\"><div class=\"wpb_row row-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_column pos-middle pos-center align_center column_child col-lg-12 single-internal-gutter\"><div class=\"uncol style-light\" ><div class=\"uncoltable\"><div class=\"uncell no-block-padding\" ><div class=\"uncont\" ><div class=\"vc_custom_heading_wrap titel_thermalVF\"><div class=\"heading-text el-text alpha-anim animate_when_almost_visible\" data-delay=\"200\"><p class=\"font-116211 fontsize-450760 fontheight-954288 font-weight-100 text-color-xsdn-color\" ><span>Health is the greatest asset. Preventive screening is the first step to maintaining it.<\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_custom_heading_wrap titel_thermalVF\"><div class=\"heading-text el-text alpha-anim animate_when_almost_visible\" data-delay=\"200\"><p class=\"font-146656 fontsize-865542 font-weight-200 text-color-xsdn-color\" ><span>At the Medical Centre, care, trust and expertise go hand in hand. We offer quality medical screenings in a casual atmosphere.<\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div><\/div><span class=\"btn-container animate_when_almost_visible alpha-anim\" data-delay=\"200\"><a role=\"button\"  href=\"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/contact\/\" class=\"custom-link btn btn-custom-typo font-146656 font-weight-400 text-uppercase no-letterspace border-width-0 button_licht_blauw btn-color-873549 btn-square btn-no-scale btn-icon-left\" title=\"Contact\" id=\"button_hide_wachtpagina\">Making an appointment<\/a><\/span><div class=\"empty-space empty-triple\" ><span class=\"empty-space-inner\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><script id=\"script-row-unique-2\" data-row=\"script-row-unique-2\" type=\"text\/javascript\" class=\"vc_controls\">UNCODE.initRow(document.getElementById(\"row-unique-2\"));<\/script><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"After all, healthy employees are the lifeblood of any business. Yet there are still many misconceptions about medical screenings for [...]","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":119887,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wds_primary_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[188],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-119880","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nieuws"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119880","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/26"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=119880"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119880\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":119886,"href":"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119880\/revisions\/119886"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/119887"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=119880"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=119880"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medischcentrum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=119880"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}